Grading AC Milan's Summer Transfer Window Moves

If this article had been written a week ago, the storyline would have been far different for Milan in the transfer market.

It seemed that every move made this entire summer was met with scorn and derision from the fans, and although mixed feelings were brought up once again on the final day, the end product actually turned out to be quite satisfactory.

The definition of indulging no longer applies to the Rossoneri when it's time to pull the trigger. After all, signing washed-up players on free transfers and selling young talents is hardly a way to get the fans to buy season tickets. 

However, Adriano Galliani and Silvio Berlusconi showed that they still have a slight touch of magic, although it comes to the surface more sporadically these days.

Only the top moves will be graded—sorry, Kevin Constant. 

Here's the grading scale:

A — Excellent (Angel Di Maria to Manchester United)

B — Good (Getting rid of Kevin Constant once and for all)

C — Satisfactory

D — Poor (Selling Bryan Cristante)

F — Failure (See Milan free-transfers past two seasons)

Buy: Fernando Torres

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Grade: B

The deal to sign Fernando Torres on a two-year loan spell actually has plenty of upside.

The player hasn't been himself for the past few seasons at Chelsea, whether it was a case of injuries, a loss of confidence, or the striker simply not feeling able to carry the load of that massive price tag on his shoulders.

In Serie A, Torres will have more space to operate. The slower pace of the league could do wonders for him compared to the more frenetic nature of the Premier League. 

He comes into a situation that doesn't have as much pressure as his previous gig. Milan are giving him the reigns as the starting No. 9 in the formation, and this could allow him to find his scoring touch once again and regain the confidence that made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe.

Buy: Jeremy Menez

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Grade: C+

Jeremy Menez scored a penalty and caused a bit of havoc with his close-quarter dribbling in his first domestic outing for Milan in their 3-1 win over Lazio.

The Frenchman played out of position as a false No. 9, and was given the responsibility of not only leading the line, but creating for the wingers as well.

Menez has an unfortunate reputation of being a bit lazy, but could find new life in Milan, as he'll be regarded as one of the main components of Filippo Inzaghi's attack. 

The winger has the ability to produce unexpected magic at any given time, but needs to hold his concentration throughout the game.

Buy: Giacomo Bonaventura

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Grade: A

Now, here's a deal Milanisti can get excited about.

Milan have signed Giacomo Bonaventura for around €7m from Atalanta, with the player signing a five-year-deal with the Rossoneri.

The 25-year-old has impressed in recent seasons as a versatile midfielder capable of scoring goals and creating for teammates.

Bonaventura will fit in right away either as a side midfielder in the 4-3-3 formation or as a winger, where he loves taking on his defender. He'll provide an added spark of offense to a unit that looked sloppy with their passing in the first round win against Lazio.

Buy: Alex

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Grade: B

The experienced Alex was brought over from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer to strengthen the back line. 

Alex is a hulking center-back who is great in aerial battles and has a fierce shot from distance when he ventures forward. Expect the former Brazilian international to maintain his starting spot along either Christian Zapata or Adil Rami.

Even though Alex is 32 years old, he provides veteran leadership at the back and was a cheap, low-risk move for the Rossoneri. He played a wonderful match against Lazio, showing his sense of anticipation and making a few crunching tackles along the way.

Buy: Pablo Armero

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Grade: B

Pablo Armero is another decent signing for the Rossoneri, as he's coming off a terrific campaign at the World Cup with the Colombian national team.

Armero made his name at Udinese a few seasons ago, but was never able to fully find his form at Napoli and now has a chance to shine once again at Milan.

He'll be used either as a left-winger or a left full-back depending on the situation. Armero has olympic pace on the flanks and is always a danger on counter-attacks, where he likes getting forward and even takes his own shots on goal.

Whether or not he's a starter remains to be seen, as the most likely full-back pairing at the moment will include Ignazio Abate on the right and Mattia De Sciglio on the opposite flank.